Cardiff 1-1 West Brom

Cardiff made one change to the side from Saturday with Roger Johnson coming in for the injured Darren Purse to make up a completely new-look back 4 all signed over the summer. The game began with many fans still queuing at the turnstiles and most of them missed the opening goal on 3 minutes. Zoltan Gera side-footing home to give West Brom the lead after a corner. Despite this early set-back Cardiff looked composed and determined and began to create chances. The tempos was fast but very few clear chances were created. Just after the half hour Cardiff drew level with a nicely crafted goal. McPhail found space on the right and sent over a curling cross to the back post where Thompson and the West Brom keeper rose but the cross was met by a firm header from former Baggie RICCY SCIMECA to send the crowd into raptures. Kerrea Gilbert was looking lively supporting Parry in attack while Thompson and Chopra`s partnership is improving all the time with both strikers looking sharp and hungry. At half time the scores were level, probably a fair reflection though City were looking the more dangerous closer to half time.

After the interval it was Cardiff who carried their momentum and had WBA pegged back in their own half for long periods, for 20 minutes after the restart it looked like Cardiff were ther only side who could win but were unable to create clear scoring oppurtumities. Gradually West Brom came back into the game with John Hartson, roundly booed at every touch, doing well to hold the ball up but giving away several fouls and failing to use the ball effectively. West Brom had a couple of shots from the edge of the area but Cardiff looked slightly more dangerous as Chopra very nearly converted a goalmouth scramble. He and WBA`s Chris Perry were booked during the scramble in which Chopra caught Zuberbuhler as he attempted to score. Campbell and Flood came on for City for home debuts but were unable to fashion an opening, Flood trying an ambitious drive from 40 yards that sailed way way over.

Just as the 4th official announced 3 added minutes, Chopra came agonisingly close to a winner. Ledley broke down the left at pace and crossed for Chopra who saw his left footed hook shot skim the post with the keeper beaten.

Cardiff just shaded the game but West Brom probably deserved a point in what was a good, exciting game.

Bryan Robson said: 'On this form Cardiff are sure to be challenging for play-off places at the end of the season as tonight they played with a lot of energy, passed the ball well and caused us problems." While Dave Jones was happy that his side matched West Brom all the way and described the game as a 'great advert for Championship football`

A huge crowd, the biggest in a long while (18504) were there and almost all were happy with the performance and the point. Next up Coventry on Saturday